The Bedan: A historical variant of cider making
The Bedan cider apple tree , also known as Marie Ménard, is a historic variant of French cider production. Known for its bittersweet apples rich in tannins, this variety is an asset for professional producers looking to make intense and fragrant farmhouse ciders. At Arboriverse, your specialist wholesale supplier of cider apple plants , we offer plants selected to meet the requirements of producers wishing to promote tradition and quality.
Fruits with the ideal profile for ciders with character
Characteristics of Bedan apples
- Size and shape: Small (about 40 g per fruit), with a slightly flattened spherical shape.
- Skin: A bright yellow ochre, highlighting a rustic and traditional fruit.
- Flesh: Creamy white, crisp and juicy.
Flavor
- Bittersweet, with a dominant bitterness that enriches blends.
- Rich tannins that structure the cider and give it body.
- An intense and complex fragrance, ideal for high-end vintages.
Thanks to its aromatic profile, the Bedan variety is prized for producing full-bodied farmhouse ciders, sought after for their depth and intensity.
A key ally for cider production
Commercial uses
- Farmhouse ciders: Bedan apples produce a juice rich in tannins and flavors, perfect for ciders with character.
- Blends: Thanks to its bittersweet profile, Bedan is ideal for balancing ciders combining sweeter or tangy varieties.
- Other uses: Although mainly dedicated to cider production, this variety can also be used for culinary preparations, such as jellies or accompaniments to savory dishes.
Transformation methods
The juice extracted from Bedan apples lends itself perfectly to slow fermentation, developing complex aromas for sweet or dry ciders, depending on preference.
A robust tree suitable for traditional orchards
Port and development
- Semi-erect, with a spreading dome, it reaches an adult height of about 5 meters and a wingspan of 4 meters.
- Perfect for high-stem or semi-intensive orchards.
Yield
- Regular productivity each year, with little alternation.
- A bountiful harvest, ideal for commercial farms.
Production schedule: optimal harvest and processing
Bloom
Spring (April-May), compatible with many cider varieties for cross-pollination.
Harvest
- First harvest: End of September.
- Second harvest: Mid-October, guaranteeing fully ripe fruit for optimal processing.
Pollination: a need for complementary varieties
Bedan is self-sterile and requires cross-pollination to fruit effectively. Combining Bedan with other compatible varieties in your orchard is essential:
- Little Yellow
- Red mullet from Dol
- Sweet Coët Line
- Queen of Reinettes
- Guillevic
- Windmill
Resistance and maintenance: an easy-to-grow variety
Disease resistance
- Good tolerance to scab, powdery mildew and canker.
- Natural resistance to fire blight, reducing the need for phytosanitary treatments.
Interview
- Annual pruning to maintain vigor and optimize fruiting.
- Well-drained soil recommended to avoid root asphyxiation.
Recommended rootstocks: optimized cultivation
- MM106: Suitable for well-drained soils, perfect for semi-intensive orchards.
- MM111: Ideal for more difficult soils and traditional plantings, thanks to its drought resistance.
- M7: Versatile and rustic, suitable for various environments.
Why choose Bedan with Arboriverse?
- Carefully selected plants: We offer quality plants to guarantee optimal productivity.
- Technical support: Benefit from the advice of our experts to make your orchards a success.
- Professional service: Fast delivery tailored to the needs of professional businesses.
- A unique product: Offer farmhouse ciders with a full-bodied profile and rich in tannins, which are in high demand on the market.
Conclusion: Bedan, a must for authentic ciders
The Bedan cider apple tree is a choice variety for professional producers looking to stand out with distinctive farmhouse ciders. With its small, tannin-rich fruits, reliable production, and natural robustness, it fits perfectly into traditional or semi-intensive orchards.
Trust Arboriverse , your specialist cider apple plant wholesaler, to add this exceptional variety to your orchard. Contact us today to order your plants and enhance your production with exceptional ciders.
